2. Who is the most important player on the Devils in this series?
Villano: This is where I'll talk about Markstrom. The Devils goalie has to be the guy from January if the Devils are going to have any chance to win.
Parise: Outside of Nico Hischier, who I explained why he’s the x-factor, Luke Hughes is the guy. He has been incredible since the 4-Nations Face-Off which coincides with the Dougie Hamilton injury. Hughes helps their power play go these days and that could play a role in the outcome of this series.
Bailey: The most important Devils player in this series is Jacob Markstrom in my eyes. With their lack of offense, the Devils must rely on Markstrom, Hamilton, and the defense to win low-event games like they were earlier in the season. Plus, the Hurricanes love to dump shots on goal as often as possible.
Borges: The most important player for the Devils this series is Jacob Markstrom. If the Devils get pre-injury Markstrom, they have a chance. If they get the Markstrom we have seen in recent weeks, don't bother showing up.
DeLuca: Playoff time means you have to look towards your captain to lead you. Nico Hischier is unquestionably the most important player for this series.
Matthews: Jacob Markstrom because goaltending has been a weakness for many years. It's one of the main reasons why the Devils lost to the Hurricanes in 2023.
Streeter: Timo Meier’s goal-scoring rate has jumped from 0.9 per 60 to about 1.6 per 60. Him and his offensive skillset should and will be on full display against Carolina and he is the Devils player to watch for this series — easily.
Rubin: Jesper Bratt because he is a dangerous, underrated talent. He was 5th in assists and 8th in power play points in the NHL this season, so expect him to make something happen.
Annaluru: Jacob Markstrom. The Devils need Markstrom to be on his A game and carry the Devils in difficult stretches of games.
Miller: Nico Hischier is going to be a huge part of the Devils’ success in this series, given how much the team relies on him defensively and as a playmaker. But Carolina rolls four strong lines, so the Devils will be looking to middle-of-the-lineup guys like Timo Meier to maintain the momentum that Hischier produces.
Stanislau: Jacob Markstrom. The New Jersey Devils need him to be clicking on all cylinders where he is playing big and playing well laterally and is able to cut down on shooters, angles, and use that paddle well.
Garrison: The most crucial Devils' player for this series is Jesper Bratt. If Bratt can keep up with his consistent play like he was throughout the season, the team can see an increase in scoring, which helps them control the game more.